John Ryan Obituary

Ryan, John F. Command Sgt. Major, USA (Ret.) NORTH GREENBUSH John F. "Frank" Ryan, 98, of North Greenbush, died peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2013 with loving family by his side. Born in Troy, Mr. Ryan was the son of the late James J. Ryan and Clara B. Turner Ryan and devoted husband of 65 years to the late Sarah M. "Mickey" Casey Ryan of New Baltimore. Mr. Ryan is survived by his daughter, Sheila, married to Arthur R. Tarbox, Ph.D., of Houston; his brother, Lt. Col. Donald E. Ryan, USA (Ret.) of Kalispell, Mont., as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, James E. Ryan of Troy, William J. Ryan of Wynantskill, and sister, Claire T. Germann of Pittsburgh. Mr. Ryan was employed by Montgomery Ward from 1932 to 1942 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. Command Sgt. Maj. (CSM) Ryan had a highly distinguished 26-year military career that included service during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the Vietnam War. His various assignments included message center chief in the 98th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater, chief clerk (plans and training section) of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's Tokyo headquarters, ROTC instructor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., as well as CSM (one of the Army's first to be appointed to the rank) of the Ingrandes Depot Complex in southwestern France. During his years of military service, CSM Ryan was the recipient of many awards and medals that included the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, American Theater, Victory, and Army of Occupation Medals, as well as a medal and certificate from the Polish Forces in Exile. Marksmanship awards included Sharpshooter .30 caliber M1 carbine and Expert M3 submachine gun. CSM Ryan was also honored with numerous certificates of achievement and letters of appreciation. A skilled and accomplished bowler, Mr. Ryan, during pre-service days, led the 120-man Montgomery Ward League. In the Army, he began bowling in Okinawa and rolled the first ABC sanctioned 300 game in the island's history, as well as one unsanctioned 300 game. Competing in the Far Eastern Championship in Korea, he won titles in singles, doubles, and all-events with an average of 222. A third perfect game, unsanctioned, followed in 1960. While stationed in France, he won the all-events title and was part of the doubles championship team that qualified to compete in the European Championship. After retiring and returning to Troy, Mr. Ryan carried a 205 average in the Postal League and, in 1970, competing against 75 of the top area bowlers, finished second to qualify for the finals of Howard Tupper's "TV Tournament Time." He rolled a 266 in the televised competition, but lost to the professional bowler, Jim Lewis, in the final title match. As a senior, Mr. Ryan paired up with his brother, William "Bill" J. Ryan, and won doubles titles in the Troy, Capital District, and New York State competitions. In 2006, Mr. Ryan was inducted into the Troy Bowling Association Hall of Fame for meritorious service. A lover of travel, nature, and the great outdoors, Mr. Ryan's other hobbies included hiking, golf, and fishing with his daughter, relatives, and many friends. To the delight of children and adults alike, he was well known for his holiday candy, made in the tradition taught to him by his father. Mr. Ryan was a dedicated communicant of Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Troy for more than 45 years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of his long and accomplished life on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Troy. At his request, there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Ryan may be made to Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD. 21201 or Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144. For online condolences, please visit legacy.com/obituaries/ timesunion-albany/


Published by Albany Times Union on Apr. 23, 2013.
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Sheila i am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad i could not have asked for a better neighbor over the past 21 years , he always had treats for my kids and a kind words he will be missed by all who knew him .

mario mosca

May 1, 2013

Dear Shiela and Art,

With warmest and most sincere sympathy upon the passing of your Father. I know that this will be a difficult period for you, but, with time, the pain will ease, but the emptiness remains. It it is such a great hole to lose your parents. My Mother told me that Life is a part of death, and you have to let go., It's an awful part of life, but in time you will let go, and the sadness that you feel when your thoughts wander to the memories of your father (and mother) will turn into fond and happy memories. I am so sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of you, today and for days to come. Love, Sarah

April 26, 2013

Sheila and family sorry to hear of your loss. John was such a great guy and I enjoyed our time talking about and watching Yankee games together. He lived a very full life and I'm the better for just knowing him.

Jay Coonrad

April 25, 2013

Sheila and Art, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of another true American Hero, your Dad, CSMajor Ryan. I sincerely wish I could be there for the service in order to respectfully salute him. Love & hugs to you both.

Sandy Law Iaconis

April 25, 2013

Sheila and Art, Vic and I have wonderful memories of your Dad and Mom. They were very close friends of Myrtle and Jack. Frank was so knowledgeable of all things. I remember watching the Olympics and was uneasy the way the US flag was being displayed. Frank sent me a copy of the way the flag should be flown, hung and displayed. He was never at loss for a conversation. I do remember the candy raindeer at Christmas. It was always neat to have on display with my ornaments. Then when Vic and I had children he always made them some too. I think my first grandchild even got one and sucked on it forever. Your Mom and Dad are surely missed, now they can reunite with Myrtle and Jack which I am sure will be waiting for him. Are prayers are with you both. They will not be forgotten. Vic and Sharon Pape

Sharon Pape

April 24, 2013

We have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Frank. He has always been the "silent partner";loving,caring,giving of himself with no thought of reward nor recognition. His laughter and jokes will resonate long after this day.
Of all,we will most miss sharing coffee,ice cream and peanut brittle with him.
Our love and prayers to you,Sheila and Art.Be comforted in knowing that he is with God,now and for always.

Patricia and Bill.

Patricia and Bill Byrne

April 24, 2013

Sheila, Art...I hope when you are reading this message, you feel the love and the heartfelt thoughts that are with you. I racked my brain all day to send the right message. There is no right message. 98 is a feat, but the "missing" will be something else! I will steal words from a favorite poet, simply because I am at a loss for any...WH Auden, "Funeral Blues." When you can, read EVERYSINGLE word, and digest it, take some time. In the interim, I will quote just a few..."STOP ALL THE CLOCKS...he was my North, my South, my East and my West...I love this, and I hope you will love it as much. Please know that I am there in spirit and that I am smiling at all the wonderful stories you (Sheila) have shared with me about "Frank" during our morning walks...my last story. "Sheila, you want a pill?" Up until the end, he had such a terrific sense of humor. Know this, and never forget it. YOU, my dear, are his daughter. He knew it, and his life was the best because of that. Sheila, you are his legacy, and you are and will carry it on with the grace that he taught you. I am wandering, but you get it. So much love is sent. Art, you are the rock that Frank planted firmly. Much love to you both.

Sandra Paige

April 23, 2013

Sheila,
Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marty and Pat Monahan

April 23, 2013

We are wishing you all good memories, Shelia and Art. The obituary is beautiful. Sorry we can't be with you.
Love, Nancy & Joe

Nancy Restuccia

April 23, 2013

May the happy memories of the twinkle in his eye and the days of fishing and fun sustain you. Love,

Joni & Jerry Landon

April 23, 2013

Sheila and Art,
Our thoughts are with you at this time of your loss. We have always enjoyed knowing your Dad through your loving comments. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. Our sincere sympathy to you and the family.
Harold and Mary Ann

Harold & Mary Ann Hooks

April 23, 2013

OUR DEEPEST REGRETS IN YOUR LOSS OF YOUR DAD-OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU THE RICHTER FAMILY

April 23, 2013

Uncle Frank; my Godfather, was a very sweet and endearing person and a big family man who made you smile and left a great impact in this world. We love you and will miss you!

Susan Dickey

April 23, 2013

My Uncle Frank. A wonderful human being as all of my aunts and uncles on the Ryan side of my family. He will be missed by us all.

Jim Germann

April 23, 2013

What an accomplished and distinguished man and we are sorry that we never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ryan in person. To Sheila and Art and the family, our most sincere condolences as you mourn the loss of John Ryan. With our love, Jan and Don

April 22, 2013

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

The Staff of Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home

April 23, 2013

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